Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 14,336, Clement Drake, Mass.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass
Drake, Clement Bonney, Silence
W. 14.336
B. L. Wt. 8150-160-55
Former widow
CONTENTS

4119 4119 Massachusetts
Silence Bonney, formerly widow of Clement Drake
who died on the 28 Feby 1788 of Berkshire in the State of Mass who was a Private in the Co commanded by Captain Mas of the commanded by Mas in the line for 8 Mo 11 Days
Inscribed on the Roll of Mass at the rate of 27 Dollars 88 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 25 day of Nov 1831 and sent to Hon J Rockwood Present
Arrears to the 4th of Semi-annual allowance ending
Revolutionary Claims Act July 4, 1836, Section the 3
Recorded by Book
Vol.
Page
Clerk,
J. L. Swann 419
Get to W. W. Sweet, 8 Nov 1833
Ref
Date of widow's death below AP.
65873

65873 } Act March 3/55 Apice 15/55
Silence, Bonner  Bonner found, with of Clement Drake Jr.
Map: 13/55 13/55
Revolutionary War
No Prisoner
Map July 30- 4119
Buxton AD: 160 Mls, Oct: 11/1855
Buxton
1855
Eli Taintor
See Map
Vol. D. 137.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts } Berkshire ss.
On this thirteenth day of September 1844, personally appeared before the Hon. Wm. P. Walker Judge of Probate for the County of Berkshire Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Silence Bonney a resident of Pittsfield in said County aged eighty nine years who being first duly sworn according to Law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by Act of Congress passed July, 4 th 1836 and the act explanatory of said Act passed March 3 d 1837. That Clement Drake her former husband enlisted as a private into the Army of the Revolution in the year 1775. from the town of Easton, Bristol County, Massachusetts that he was first called out on an alarm and before he returned he enlisted for eight months in a Company Commanded by Capt. Macey Williams in Col. Walkers Regt. for which services she claims a pension.
That she was married to the said Clement Drake at Easton on the 31 st day of March 1774. and that her husband the aforesaid Clement Drake died on the 28 th day of February 1788. at said Easton; and that she afterwards married William Bonney who died on the twenty fifth day of July A.D. 1806. That she was a widow on the fourth day of July 1836. and still remains a widow as will more fully appear by reference to the proofs hereunto annexed.
S. Sep. 30. 1844
Silence Bonney
Subscribed and sworn to by the said Silence Bonney, on the said thirteenth day of September 1844, at her residence

in Pithfiled aforesaid, she being, by reason of old age and bodily infirmity, unable to attend in open Court.
Before me, William P. Walker Judge of Probate
I William P. Walker Judge of the Court of Probate within and for the County of Berkshire, hereby certify, that it appears to me, by the affidavits of Silena Bonney and of John Sales herunto annexed, that Clement Drake a former husband of said Silena, died in the year 1788 - and that it further appears to me, by the affidavits of Silena Bonney and of Edson Bonney and by the original original Letter of Administration granted on the estate of William Bonney, a former husband of the said Silena, that the said William Bonney died in or before the year 1806 - which Affidavits and a letter of Administration are also herunto annexed.
Sep. 30. 1844. —
William P. Walker -

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Berkshire County ss - I Henry M Bishop Registrar of the Court of Probate within & for said County of Berkshire do certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of said Court in the matter of the application of Silence Bonney for a pension - That the Honorable William P. Walker is the Judge of said Court, duly commissioned and qualified, and that the foregoing signatures, purporting to be his, are his genuine signatures -
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and the seal of said Court, this Eleventh day of October, in the year eighteen hundred & forty four. Henry M. Bishop Reg t Prob.

I William Reed, town clerk of the town of Easton in the county of Bristol and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, hereby certify, that the following to wit "Marriages were solemnized by Rev. Archibald Camp- bell, as followeth. viz. March thirty first, seventeen hundred seventy four, Mr Clement Drake and Mrs Silence Drake both of Easton were married by Archibald Campbell.
is a true copy of the record of said Town of Easton with the exception of the date, which is expressed on the record, in fair legible figures, as follows.
"March 31 st , 1774,"
W m Reed Town Clerk.
I W m Reed, above named, depose and say, that I hold the office of Town Clerk, in said Town of Easton in the county of Bristol & Commonwealth of Massachusetts and that the above is a true extract from the records of said Town, with the exception as above certified by me. W m Reed Clerk of said Town of Easton
Commonwealth Massachusetts
Bristol County ss.
On this twenty fifth day of September A.D. 1844 Personally appeared William Reed to me known as Town Clerk of the town of Easton, and made oath that the above affidavit, by him subscribed, is true Before me I further certify I know the above certified Records to be an Authentic Records

of more than thirty years -
Before me Howard L. Church Justice of the Peace

No 65873
Claim of Silence Bonney Act of March 3 d 1856

Widows Declaration.
State of Massachusetts } County of Berkshire }
On this twenty ninth day of March A.D. 1855, personally appeared before me a justice of the Peace, within and for the County and State aforesaid Silence Bonney aged ninety eight years a resident of the County and State aforesaid, who being duly sworn according to law, declares that she is the former widow of Clement Drake late of Easton Massachusetts do r who was a soldier in the War of the Revolution and for whose services in said War the said Silence Bonney is now in the receipt of a pension from the United States as his Widow and she refers to her declaration & the accompanying documents & proofs as evidence of his services, and continued in actual service in said War for at least 14 days and was honorably discharged.
She further states that she was married to the said Clement Drake in Easton on the thirty first day of March A.D. 1774. and that her name before her said marriage was Silence Drake that her said husband died at Easton on the 28 th day of February 1788. and that she is now a widow
She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the Bounty Land to which she may be entitled, under the Act passed the 3 rd day of March 1855. She also declares that she has never received nor applied for Bounty Land under this or any other act of Congress.
Eli Gainton of Lee Berkshire County Massachusetts, is duly authorized to prosecute this my Claim, and to receive any warrant-

under this or any other act of Congress - Eli Faintor of Lee Berkshire County Massachusetts, is duly authorized to prosecute this my Claim, and to receive any warrant which may be issued hereon.
Silence mark Bonney
Affidavit of two Witnesses.
Personally came Sarah  Catharine King and Columbia G. Loyne residents of the County of Berkshire in the State aforesaid, who upon oath declare, that they are personally well acquainted with Mrs. Silence Bonney and saw her sign with her mark to the foregoing declaration, that they know her to be the identical person therein represented and that she is now a Widow, and that we have no interest in this Claim. Catharine King Columbia G. Loyne
Magistrates Certificate
Berkshire ss. The foregoing declaration and affidavit were sworn to and subscribed before me this twenty ninth day of March A.D. 1855; and I certify that I believe the Claimant to be the identical person she represents herself to be, that I know the witnesses are credible persons, and that I have no interest in this Claim.
John Branning Justice of the Peace
State of Massachusetts } County of Berkshire }
I hereby certify that John Branning Esqr before whom the foregoing declaration and affidavit were made, is and was at the time of taking the same, an acting Justice of the Peace within and for the County and State aforesaid duly Commissioned and qualified, and that his signature above is genuine
In testimony whereof, I have hereto set my hand and affixed the seal of my office this twentieth day of March 1855.
Am. Sedgwick Clerk

September 15, 1937
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Mr. W. L. Bonney 504½ North Main Street Santa Ana, California
CLEMENT DRAKE W. 14336 am BA-J/MLB
Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your letter of recent date, in which you request the record of William Bonney, of Easton, Massachusetts, who served as a sergeant in the Revolutionary War, and died about 1805 in Minot, Maine, leaving a widow, Silence, who lived to be one hundred three years of age.
No claim for pension or bounty land has been found based upon service in the Revolution of a William Bonney, under any spelling; the record has been found, however, of a Clement Drake whose widow, Silence, married one William Bonney, of Easton, Massachusetts, who died in Minot, Maine. That record follows as found in pension claim, W. 14336, based upon service of Clement Drake in the Revolutionary War.
The date and place of birth and names of the parents of Clement Drake are not shown, nor was his age given.
Clement Drake while living in Easton, Bristol County, Massachusetts, was corporal in Captain Macey Williams' Massachusetts' company, and marched on the Lexington Alarm April 19, 1775, and served until April 28, 1775; then enlisted and served eight months in said company in Colonel Timothy Walker's Massachusetts company.
Clement Drake married March 31, 1774, in Easton, Massachusetts, Mrs. Silence Drake. The date and place of her birth, names of parents or maiden name were not stated. At the time of their marriage they were both residents of Easton. Their marriage was recorded in the Town Clerk's Office of said Easton. He died February 28, 1788, in Easton, Massachusetts.
Clement Drake's widow, Silence, married, date not shown, William Bonney. He died July 26, 1806, in Minot, Maine, but was formerly a resident of Easton, Massachusetts. The date and place of his birth and names of parents are not given.

William Bonney's widow, Silence, was allowed pension on account of the service of her former husband, Clement Drake, on her application executed September 30, 1844, at which time she was a resident of Pittsfield, Berkshire County, Massachusetts, aged about eighty-nine years. About five or six years prior to the date of her application she was living in Ohio, place not stated. In 1855, she was still a resident of Berkshire County, Massachusetts.
No reference was made to children of Clement Drake.
In 1844, Edson Bonney, son of William and Silence Bonney, was living in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. His age and birthplace are not stated, and no reference was made to any other children of William Bonney.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator

Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No. 14336
Silence Brown
Widow of
Clement Drake
Pri. War
Act: July 4 th 96
Index:—Vol. 9 , Page 74
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Mich. 8, 1901 Mrs. Ralt. H. Alvarado Ft. Worth Texas
1915, Sept. 28. History to Sarah H. Bonney. F.W.
1921-June 18-Visit to H. L. Bonney
1927, Sept. 15-Visit to H. L. Bonney

8150
100 Acres

Pr: act 4 fdy. 36, map:
B. D. W.

No. 65873
ACT OF MARCH 3, 1855.
Received Apr 13, 1855
Clement Drake
Rev. Har
Warrant 8150-160-55
Eli Fainter
Lee
Mass

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Berkshire, ss.
I Charles Sedgwick, Clerk of the Judicial Courts of the Commonwealth, for the County of Berkshire, do certify, that Julius Rockwell Esquire, whose signature is affixed to the certificate on the paper hereto annexed, was, at the date thereof, one of the Justices of the Peace, within and for said County, duly commissioned and acting under the authority of this Commonwealth; and that full faith and credit are and ought to be given to his acts and attestations done in that capacity; and that I am acquainted with the hand writing of the said Julius Rockwell and believe his signature to said certificate is genuine.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the Court of Common Pleas for said Commonwealth, this twelfth day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty four .
Charles Sedgwick Clerk.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston September 23 d 1844
I hereby Certify, That at the date of the annexed attestation Howard Lothrop and Isidore Harlow were Justices of the Peace for the County of Bristol.
in the said Commonwealth, duly constituted and commissioned; and that to their acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given, in and out of Court.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
John G. Parsons; Secretary of the Commonwealth.

I John Selee of Easton in the County of Bristol & State of Massachusetts do testify and say that I am fifty two years of age, and that I am the son of Nathan Selee of sd. Easton who in his life time kept a record of Births and Deaths and all events which occurred to his knowledge, which records are in my possession. I certify that I have examined said records and there find the following entry to wit,
February the twenty eighth Seventeen hundred Eighty eight Mr Clement Drake departed this life Interred March the first Seventeen hundred Eighty eight. The above is a true copy of said record with the exception of the dates which is expressed on the record in fair legible figures as follows, February 28 th 1788 Mr Clement Drake Departed this life, Interred march ye 1 st 1788.
John Selee
I John Selee above named depose and say that I hold the records of my Father Nathan Selee and that the above is a true copy of said record with the exception of the dates as above certified by me
John Selee
Bristol Js. September 21 st 1844 Then John Selee made oath to the truth of the above record by him subscribed. And I certify that I am personally acquainted with said John Selee and know him to be a creditable witness.
Before me Tisdale Harlow Justice of the Peace
11 4

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office July 26 1844
I hereby Certify, That, from an examination of the Books and Documents, relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that the name of Clement Drake of Easton is found upon a pay roll of Capt Macoy Williams from April 19 to 28 1775 as a Corporal, and upon the October returns of said Company in 1775 as a private. There are no other rolls of said Williams in this Office.
8-11
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
John G. Palfrey, Secretary of the Commonwealth.

APPLICATION FOR CERTIFICATE OF REVOLUTIONARY SERVICES, MADE BY THE WIDOW OF THE PARTY WHO RENDERED THE SERVICE.
The Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is hereby requested to furnish evidence from the Rolls in his office, of the service of my husband, Clement Drake in the war of the Revolution.
He enlisted from the town of Easton in the County of Bristol and State of Massachusetts in the year 1775 as a Private in the Company commanded by Captain Macy Williams in Regiment and he served as follows, viz:— He was called out at the Alarm at Syringtown & in course of a week or two He Enlisted for Eight Months in Capt Macy Williams Company
I am now Eighty Eight years old, and my memory does not enable me to state my husband's services more fully than above stated.
WITNESS my hand, this Twenty fourth day of July A. D. 184 4
Signed by said Silence Bonney in my presence, }
Silence Bonney
Thos Duggan JUSTICE OF THE PEACE.

6329 Silence Bonney formerly Maw of Clement Pratt Map
act 4 July 1836
Adm o 8100118 private $27 88 per Anm
Hon. J. Rockwell House of Rep s

I Edson Bonney of Pittsfield in the County of Berkshire, State of Massachussetts of lawful age do hereby say, that I am the son of William Bonney who formerly resided at Easton in the County of Bristol in said State, and afterwards resided in the town of Minot and State of Maine where he died in the year 1806, as he has been informed, and always understood & verily believes.
And I further say, that he left a widow Silena Bonney now residing in Pittsfield aforesaid, the said Silena being my Mother - and I further say that she was a widow on the fourth day of July 1836. and still remains a widow - and further say not.
Edson Bonney
Commonwealth of Mass.
Berkshire ss. Oct. 1. 1844.
Personally appeared Edson Bonney and made oath to the truth of the facts stated in the foregoing affidavit by him subscribed, and I certify that the said Edson is a credible Witness -
Before me Julius Rockwell Justice of the Peace.

I Hinson Williams of Easton in the County of Bristol and Commonwealth of Massachusetts aged eighty years, a Revolutionary Veteran of the United States, do testify and say that I was well acquainted with Benjamin Drake former husband of the Widow Silence Boney, who resided about one mile's walk from my house, and was a relative of mine. I was in my father's Capt. Macey Williams company, in the year 1775, and Col. Timothy Walker's Regiment, in the first eight months. Said Drake died about fifty six years ago, and said Silence Boney was after married to William Boney, and said William Boney, died about thirty five years ago, in the State of Maine, as the deponent was informed, about the same time. I heard letter from the said Silence about five or six years ago. She then resided in the State of Ohio, but have since been informed she resided in Pittsfield State of Massachusetts. Hinson Williams
Bristol ss. September 21. 1844. I, Hinson Williams, made oath to the truth of the above deposition by him subscribed, and I certify that I am personally acquainted with H. Williams & know him to be in all respects a credible witness.
Before me. - Horace Lathrop Justice of the Peace

63 29 Silene Bonny Mrs Adm Recorded
M 740.06
Hm J. Rockwell

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
Bristol ss.
By the Honourable Seth Padelford Esq.
JUDGE of the Probate of Wills, and for granting Letters of Administration on the Estates of Persons deceased, having Goods, Chattels, Rights or Credits in the County of Bristol , within the Commonwealth aforesaid.
To Silene Bonny of Easton in the County of Homanon-wealth aforesaid, Widow. GREETING.
WHEREAS William Bonny late of said Easton deceased, having while he lived, and at the Time of his Decease, Goods, Chattels, Rights or Credits in the County aforesaid, lately died Intestate, whereby the Power of committing Administration, and full disposition of all and singular the Goods, Chattels, Rights and Credits of the said Deceased; and also the hearing, examining and allowing the Account of such Administration doth appertain unto Me: Trusting therefore in your Care and Fidelity, I do, by these Presents, commit unto you full Power to Administer all and singular the Goods, Chattels, Rights and Credits of the said Deceased; and well and faithfully to dispose of the same according to Law; and also to ask, gather, levy, recover and receive all and whatsoever Credits of the said Deceased, which to him while he lived, and at the Time of his Death, did appertain, and to pay all Debts in which the said deceased stood bound, so far as his Goods, Chattels, Rights and Credits can extend, according to the Value thereof: and to make a true and perfect Inventory of all and singular the Goods, Chattels, Rights and Credits; and to exhibit the same into the Registry of the Court of Probate for the County aforesaid, at or before the second Day of March next ensuing; And to render a plain and true Account of your said Administration upon Oath, at or before the second Day of December which will be in the Year of our Lord One Thousand Eight hundred and Seven And I do hereby ordain, constitute and appoint you Administrat rix of all and singular the Goods, Chattels, Rights and Credits aforesaid.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my Hand and the Seal of the said Court of Probate. Dated at Norton the Second Day of December in the Year of our Lord, 180 6 .
Seth Padelford

Wm. H. S. ... 1014 Jay St.
To H. Clay O'Connell
Dear Sir -
I wish to know if the name of Aaron Smith or Clement Drale appear on the list of those who drew pensions in the For the Living Army . If so will you please send me certificate of the effect that they and their pensions are & will

As soon as you receive - Thanking you in advance for your answers -
Very truly yours -
Martha F. Flannery -
address -
Mr. W. H. N. Flannery -
1084 Jayne Street Fort Worth, Texas -

1212 So. Dysonmore St. Santa Ana, California May 24-1931
The Honorable
The Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D. C.
Sir:- I have the honor to re- quest information as to a U.S. pensioner, long since deceased.
In the list of Pensioners pub- lished for 1860 appears =
D. ? Bonney, widow C. Drake present age 104 years, year of marriage 1774 .
I think she was the oldest Revo- lutionary pensioner, & died in 1859.
I would like to ask you to inform me the maiden name of this D. Bonney, when she married Wm Bonney (if that was his name) what children they

had, & where born, I am not interested in the Drake family especially, but only in her connection with the Bonney family. When did her husband (Bonney) die? and date of birth?
I shall greatly appreciate any part of the information indicated.
I have the honor to be, Sir, Yours obedient servant.
W. L. Bonney 1212 South Dyamore St. Santa Ana, California

Pittsfield Sept 4 th "
Pension Department. Washington,
Will you please inform me if you can, from whom Silence Romney who died in Pittsfield March 1859 drew a pension from, her Descendants are trying to find out her Husbands first name and do not seem able to find any record of it any where, and as we know she drew a Pension thought it must be on record in Washington

Will you kindly let me know.
Sarah A. Bonney
130 Appleton Ave -
Pittsfield
Mass

504-1/2 N.Main St Santa Ana, Calif Aug. 25, 1937
The Honorable
The Pension Commissioner,
Sir:
Washington, D C
I notice in the record of Revolutionary soldiers there is one WILLIAM BONNEY,, of Easton, Mass. a serjeant, who served under Capt. Josiah Keith, Macy Williams and Elisha May.
Could you from your records of services and pensions, furnish me with place and date of birth of this soldier, also if possible, names of wife, or wives, and children, and his parents?
I believe he died in Minot, Me. about 1805, leaving a widow, Silence, who administered his estate at Taunton. But I think Silence was his second wife. She lived to be 103, at Pittsfield, and was the oldest pensioner in the U S.
I am, Sir,
Your obedient servant,
W L Bonney
504-1/2 N.Main St. Santa Ana, Calif.
W.L.Bonney
26 Oct 1937

In reply to your request of _____, received _____ for a statement of the military history of Clement Drake a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pen- sion on file in this Bureau. Ms. F. 14,336.
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     1775 8 mos 11 da Priv and Corpl Macy Williams Walker Mass.                                     
Battles engaged in, ✓
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Easton Bristol Co, Mass
Date of application for pension, Sept 30, 1844. Her cl was al.
Residence at date of application, Pittsfield Berkshire Co Mass
Age at date of application, 89 yrs
Remarks: Soldier man. at Easton Mass, Mch 31, 1774, Mrs. Silence Drake; he died Feb. 28, 1788 at Easton, Mass and she married (date not stated) William Bonney who died July 26, 1806, at Minot, Maine. Their son, Edson Bonney, was referred to in 1844.
Respectfully,
In 1855 wid still liv, in Berkshire Co Mass
Commissioner.

June 18, 1931
Mr. W. L. Bonney 1212 South Sycamore Street Santa Ana, California
Rev.& 1812 Wars Section MMHF:MLB
Dear Sir:
You are advised that it appears from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, W. 14336, that Clement Drake, while a resident of Easton, Bristol County, Massachusetts, was corporal in Captain Macey Williams' Massachusetts company, and marched on the Lexington Alarm on April 19, 1775, and served until April 28, 1775; then enlisted and served eight months in said company in Colonel Timothy Walker's Massachusetts company.
He married March 31, 1774, in Easton, Massachusetts, Mrs. Silence Drake; both then of said Easton; her maiden name is not shown.
He died February 28, 1788, in Easton, Massachusetts. His age is not given.
The soldier's widow, Silence, married, date not shown, William Bonney. He died July 26, 1806, in Minot, Maine, but was formerly a resident of Easton, Massachusetts. His age is not given, nor the name of his birthplace.
His widow, Silence Bonney, was allowed pension on account of the service of her former husband, Clement Drake, on her application executed September 30, 1844, at which time she was a resident of Pittsfield, Berkshire County, Massachusetts, aged about eighty-nine years; about five or six years prior to the date of her application she was living in Ohio, place not stated. In 1855 she was still a resident of Berkshire County, Massachusetts.
This case to be verified by Mass. S. & S. as Timothy the given name, which seems to be Timothy, when Matthew

No reference is made to children of Clement Drake.
In 1844 Edson Bonney, son of William and Silence Bonney, was living in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. His age and birthplace are not stated, and no reference is made to any other children of William Bonney.
Very truly yours
E. W. MORGAN Acting Commissioner

BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD*
NAME Drake, Cornelius GRADE Private LINE New Jersey
WARRANT NUMBER 8244 ACREAGE 100 ISSUED April 5, 1793 to — not shown —
*The information concerning the issuance of warrants carded on this form is found in volumes 2 to 4 of "Land Warrants Issued Prior to 1800" which are registers of bounty land warrants issued to non-commissioned officers and privates under congressional resolutions of September 16, 1776, and subsequent dates. Other records relative to the applications for warrants appear to have been destroyed in the War Department fire of November 9, 1800. Information concerning warrants surrendered to the Federal Government is to be found in General Land Office records in The National Archives.